Possible complications of a hip replacement
A hip replacement is a common and safe procedure. However, as with any type of surgery there are risks. Your doctor will explain these to you.
Blood clots or DVT (deep vein thrombosis)
Blood clots or DVT (deep vein thrombosis) are possible after a hip replacement because of how the blood flows and clots after surgery.
If you have a blood clot that causes pain or swelling, your doctor can give you anticoagulant medicines to help.
A blood clot that forms in the leg can sometimes travel to your lungs (pulmonary embolism). This can cause serious complications.
To reduce the risk of blood clots it is likely that you will be given compression stockings to wear.
Wound infection
There’s a small chance that your hip wound could get infected after surgery. This is usually treated with antibiotics.
If the infection spreads deep into the hip joint, you may need further surgery.
Difference in leg length
Hip replacement surgery can sometimes mean the leg where your hip has been replaced ends up slightly longer than your other leg. Your surgeon will try hard to avoid this.
Often, the difference is so small that most people do not notice it. Sometimes you may need to wear a raised heel, or similar, on your other leg.
Damage to nerves or tissue
During surgery, there’s a chance that a blood vessel, nerve or ligament around the hip joint could be damaged.
This is not common and can either be repaired during surgery or will heal afterwards.
Hip dislocation and wear
Sometimes your hip replacement can dislocate. This is not common, but can be painful or cause swelling. Some people may also hear clicking or popping noises coming from the joint.
It could happen soon after surgery before the joint is fully healed. It can also happen many years after surgery.
Modern hip replacement joints are designed to last for at least 15 years. But they can get worn over time causing pain or swelling.
If your replacement hip dislocates or wears out, you may need another surgery to fix it.
If you are worried about your hip replacement, contact your GP or care team.
Metal-on-metal hip replacements
In the past, many hip replacements used a metal ball and a metal socket. These are sometimes called metal-on-metal implants.
Metal-on-metal implants can wear over time causing health problems. If you have a metal-on-metal hip implant, you should have regular check-ups.
Contact your GP or care team if you notice any problems with your metal-on-metal hip joint, such as:
- new hip pain
- you feel less mobile than usual
- a popping or clicking sound coming from the joint
Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
You’ve recently had a hip replacement and you have:
- throbbing or cramping pain in your hip or leg
- a high temperature
- chills and feel shivery
- oozing or pus from your wound
- redness, tenderness, swelling or pain in your hip or leg that is not getting better or is getting worse
These could be signs of an infection or a blood clot.
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:
You have pain and swelling in your hip or leg, and:
- you're having difficulty breathing
- you have chest pains
This could be a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), which needs to be treated immediately.